Vista CA— Last night, October 25 at 8:33 p.m. a deputy from the Vista Patrol Station was on patrol in the 400 block of Smilax Road in the City of Vista when he noticed a Hispanic male lying face down in the southbound lane of traffic. The deputy stopped to check on the Hispanic teen male, between 16 and 18 years of age, and if needed, render first aid. When the deputy approached, he could see the male was deceased and had severe trauma to his upper body.

During the initial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, several witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots just prior to the deputy arriving on the scene.
Based on the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail responded and took responsibility for the investigation. A motive for the homicide has not been determined, but there is a possibility the incident is gang related.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.